By BRIAN TORTELLA
Correspondent
On X @tortreports
MULLICA HILL — Coach Britney Ewan knew replacing one of the best players to ever grace the artificial turf at Clearview Regional High would be no easy task.
After capturing the last two NJSIAA Group 3 state field hockey titles behind the leadership of star 2025 graduate Alaina Lomonaco, the Pioneers are still in an excellent position to compete for a “three-peat.”
However, the way they execute this season is already looking a little different.
For Ewan’s 2025 squad, the path to success will be different, but the ultimate goal will always be the same.
“(Lomonaco) is a tough player to replace,” Ewan said. “The key is connecting with new players, strengthening everyone that’s around that position where that player was, and I think we’ve done exactly that.
“The teaching is not just on the field. It’s off the field as well, for learning what our program stands for. We’re ‘Clearview Class’ through and through. We are all about making sure that everyone is included. One team, one family — and just understanding those philosophies that I have instilled forever.”
Clearview is off to a streaking 4-0 start this fall, outscoring opponents 23-4. One of those victories was a 5-3 triumph over three-time defending Group 4 state champion and Tri-County Conference divisional rival Kingsway, who the Pioneers haven’t beaten since 2017.
The No. 2 South Jersey ranked Pioneers shut out Delsea, 8-0, on Wednesday behind a balanced scoring attack with some new and some familiar faces. Delsea fell to 3-2, but the Crusaders are still undefeated in the Tri-County Liberty at 2-0.
Senior Addison McConnell scored two first-quarter goals, while freshman Blair Eber added two more as the Pioneers cruised to victory.
Eber, a Lower Alloways Creek resident, commutes 40 minutes to Clearview each day to play for the Pioneers as a tuition student. She already has six goals this season, and has done an exceptional job, Ewan said, of fitting into a program that has high expectations and is ready to win now.
“Blair has stepped in and done a great job,” Ewan said. “She doesn’t play like a freshman. She has been in our youth program since second grade. She’s a player beyond her age. She’s very knowledgeable and coachable, which is key.
“I mean, to be able to listen and take what she’s been learning from me and what she’s learning from this amazing group of seniors I have is immeasurable.”
Eber has stolen the show recently, but it’s not without the leadership of key four-year program players such as Ella Gandy, a Rutgers University recruit, Marley Dutch, Olivia Cherian and McConnell.
“We had a nice conversation on why I would go here, and we decided that for my college experience that it was the best idea,” Eber said. “Being a Pioneer is the best. I couldn’t imagine for a better team and coaches to surround me. They’ve taught me, big time. Addi, Ella, Marissa Buck (goalie), and Marley. They’ve all really stepped it up and made a difference in my game.
“I came here for an amazing field hockey experience. I played rec with Clearview for two years. I have made a lot of new friends, and so far it’s been a great start.”
GAME NOTES: Underclassmen Makenzie Adams, Shelley Rebman, and Maddie Reeves, along with senior Olivia Cherian, all chipped in a goal for Clearview.
WHAT’S NEXT: Clearview, ranked No. 4 in New Jersey in the latest nj.com Top 20 poll, will take on Leonardtown (Md.) at The Proving Grounds in Pennsylvania on Friday at 7 p.m. as part of the Max Field Hockey Invitational. Delsea Regional hosts Highland Regional on Friday at 4 p.m.
Click this link to watch the postgame interview:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOuJob6DSN2/?igsh=MXRqYW44cGJvdTlwYQ==
